CAR IN HARBOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22108, 14 May 1935, Page 10

CAR IN HARBOUR

BAYSWATER INCIDENT ELEMENT OF MYSTERY LEFT IN PARKING AREA An element of mystery surrounds the driving of a motor-car into the Waitemata Harbour, near the Bayswater ferry wharf, yesterday morning. The car, a five-seater touring model, had been left by tho owner, Mr. A. H. Wilkie, of Bcrcsford Street, Bayswater, about 11 o'clock on the parking space near the wharf, and tho manner in which it reached the harbour had not been established last night. Mr. Wilkie left the vehicle in its accustomed position, and travelled by ferry to tho city for business purposes. The car was left with tho brakes applied, and it was standing on a level surfaco which could not have caused it to run into tho sea on its own accord. Shortly after Mr. Wilkie had left for the city a passerby saw tho vehicle submerged in about eight feet of water. It had travelled more than 20ft. from -'tho point where it had been parked, and it had fallen into the harbour down an embankment 12ft. high. Pears were at first entertained for Mr. Wilkie's safety, but he was quickly traced. The task of raising the car to tho shore proved difficult, and it was not until five o'clock that the vehicle was dragged up the embankment by a breakdown truck. Extensive damage had resulted, not only on account of immersion, for the left front wheel had been broken off, evidently when the car fell down tho embankment.

Extensive inquiries failed to reveal anyone who saw the incident. The car, when it was raised, * was found to be in reverse gear and the brakes were also applied. The lights were switched on.